Making a Better Philly, one project at a time.

The Philly Service Award is the first city-wide community service competition open to groups of students representing all of Philadelphia’s high schools. PSA is a nonprofit organization, and our work is funded through donor support. We are on a mission to inspire a lifelong commitment to service while putting the power of transformative change into the hands of young people.

See the Projects Led by Philly High Schools for Our 2025 Impact Awards!

AJ Brown Honored As Our 2025 Making a Better Philly Changemaker!

How Do We Help?

  • Supports Students Transforming Their Neighborhoods

    The Philly Service Award drives thousands of hours of volunteerism and impactful service work developed and executed by Philadelphia's exceptional students. Our community service competition puts funding in the hands of each participating school so their students can carry out service projects that improve Philly in the ways that matter most to them.

  • Strengthens Schools

    Schools that complete a service project with the Philly Service Award are invited to submit for our annual Impact Awards. The PSA Impact Awards offer schools the opportunity to win financial awards and recognition for their work. Winning schools are selected by the leaders of Philadelphia’s most notable nonprofit institutions. A committee of participating students, faculty, and administration collaborates to determine the best use of prize funds to better their school and serve current and future students.

  • Creates a Commitment to Service

    The Philly Service Award asks what happens when you let students decide how to support their neighborhoods and heighten their communities. The result is enthusiastic engagement that creates passion for service, a commitment to civic leadership, and the next generation of changemakers for Philadelphia. By removing the financial barriers to their visions for a better Philly, students are motivated and ready to make a difference, leaving a legacy that tells a new story about our city's young people.